Before you pack the car and head out for vacation, take the time to pest-proof your home. By taking a few important steps, you can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a pest invasion in your home, allowing you to fully relax while you’re away. Use these pest control tips to prepare your house before your trip.

3 Pest Control Tips for Going on Vacation

1. Clean the Kitchen

Focus on the kitchen, as food is the number one reason for pest invasions. Do a full clean, including floors and stovetops, and check for crumbs hiding in corners.

Wipe down your kitchen countertops and microwave to clean up any sticky spots. Wash and put away all of your dishes, leaving no places where water can stagnate. Make sure all food is sealed in airtight containers. Do not leave cereal boxes on the counter, as ants, cockroaches, and mice will be searching for food sources.

Remember to empty all trashcans and ask a neighbor to take out the garbage if you’ll be away on trash day.

2. Repair Any Leaks

Pests need access to water. Check all of the faucets before leaving for vacation to fully close all taps and stop drips. Unclog any slow drains to prevent water from stagnating.

If you’ll be away for more than a few weeks, consider having a plumber perform a comprehensive check-up. Your pipes may have pinhole leaks that you may not see, but that pests will find.

3. Seal Openings

Scan your home for any gaps around your doors, windows, siding, or foundation. Critters will find tiny crevices and squeeze themselves through. Install weatherstripping on the bottom of your doors to block any external entry. If you have weatherstripped your home previously, go back and check to see if it is still intact. The stripping can deteriorate over time, rending it ineffective. Re-strip any damaged doorways and caulk any additional cracks or gaps you find.

For comprehensive pest control services, contact Moore Pest Control in Hughes Springs, TX. For over 30 years, this team of technicians has used safe and effective methods to rid homes and businesses of bugs, rodents, and other pests. Call (903) 639-2884 to schedule an inspection or visit their website for a complete list of services.